When you go to bed, you want to be comfortable. This way you can get good rest and be as productive as possible the following say. When it comes to comfort, most people sleep best in a cool room with good air flow. Unfortunately, the upper levels of your home are generally hotter than the rest of your home. This is because heat rises. The issue can also escalate if there are other issues with your HVAC or air flow. If your second floor is too hot, contact the professionals at B&L Ott in Berks County for help.
HVAC And Ductwork
Before you are able to fix your hot second floor, you need to pinpoint what is causing the issue. Below are some common problems that can cause your second floor to be uncomfortable.
Wrong Size Unit – If your air conditioner is too small, it simply may not be strong enough to cool your entire house. It may be able to cool your first floor just fine, but it can’t keep up. If this is the case, you may find your unit running constantly.
Old Unit – Similar to a small unit, if your system is old, it may not be strong enough to cool your entire home. Most air conditioners will last about 8-10 years.
Dirty Filter – If your filter is clogged, it can block the air passing through your system. Then the cool air never makes it to your second floor.
Obstructed Ducts – Similar to a dirty filter, your air ducts can also collect dust over time. This dust can also block the air passing through your ducts. Then less cool air actually makes it out of the vent and into your Reading area home. If this is the case, contact B&L Ott for air duct cleaning.
Leaking – If there is a hole or a dent in your air ducts, cool air may be leaking out. If this is the case, the cool air is escaping before it gets to where you want it to go. B&L Ott can help you by repairing or modifying your air ducts if this is the case.
Insulate Your Attic
Is your attic properly insulated? If not, hot air from the attic can be leaking into your home and making your second floor hotter. It is important to ensure that your attic is properly insulated. This way the heat will stay in the attic and not make your bedroom uncomfortable. You may also find installing an attic ventilator helpful. If your roof is due for new shingles soon, you should also consider getting a lighter color as darker color absorb heat.
Close Blinds and Curtains
Sunlight that comes into your home makes the air warmer. This is beneficial in the winter as it helps you save on heating costs. However, in the summer, it makes your second floor even hotter. Close your blinds and curtains during the day to help keep the extra heat out.
Reduce Use Of Heat Appliances
Using certain appliances can also add heat to your home. This includes lights, your dryer, dishwasher, oven, hair drying, etc. Taking long hot showers can also add moisture and heat to the air. By minimizing how often you use these appliances, you can save energy and help keep your Reading area home a little bit cooler.
Use Fans
Good air circulation is also important to keep your home cool and comfortable. If the air on your second floor seems stuffy, use some fans to get the air moving. If you have a ceiling fan or rotating fan, turn them on. You may also find it helpful to set your HVAC fan from “auto” to “on” on your thermostat. This way the air will continually circulate throughout your Berks County home and not just while your air conditioner is running.
Home Zoning System
If you tried the other tips on this list, but still need more air control in your home, talk to B&L Ott about installing a home zoning system for you. A home zoning system splits your home into sections using dampers in your air ducts. By closing or opening these dampers you can better control where the cool air goes. You can send the cool air directly to your second floor at night so you can be comfortable and get good rest.
